SWISS INDOOR BASEL BANKROLL BUILDER

Write up posted shortly. 

8* play on Daniel Evans. 

LAKERS VS. CLIPPERS OPENING NIGHT BANKROLL BUILDER

The LA Lakers have been the little brother in the Hallway Series over the last seven season, but they hope that will change this year with superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the team.

Additionally they have a new head coach in Frank Vogel who'll want to start his tenure with the team with a win.

The LA Clippers have of course brought in a couple of big hitters of their own in NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but the latter is likely to miss at least the first 10 games of the season.

The Lakers have covered the number in seven of the last 10 meetings and I think they'll get the better of their rival here.  

8* play on LA Lakers. 

WORLD SERIES GAME 1 BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

I like the Houston Astros to come through with a multiple-run win here in Game 1 of the World Series. Astros righty Gerrit Cole (3-0, 0.40 ERA) has been straight up dominant in the postseason with 32 Ks and just one run allowed covering 22 2/3 frames over his three postseason starts. 

While Nats' starter Max Scherzer (2-0, 1.80 ERA) has had a strong postseason of his own, I find it more impressive of Cole to shut down American League powerhouses and Houston also has a bullpen advantage. It's also quite possible that Washington's week off since sweeping the NLCS did more harm than good. 

Astros are 23-3 in Coles last 26 home starts and I'm happy to back the home team on the runline at this price. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

TOP RATED 10* TUESDAY NIGHT NHL POWER PLAY

The Minnesota Wild are coming off their first win of the season, but I think they'll struggle to make it two on the bounce coming up against an Edmonton side looking to get back on track from a 0-1 shootout loss against the Jets on Sunday. They're still a tremendous 7-1-1 on the season and the Oilers goaltending has been terrific with only 21 goals allowed in nine games. 

The Wild on the other hand have allowed a league-worst 4.00 goals against per game this season and #1 netminder Devan Dubnyk is 1-5-0 with a 4.18 goals-against average with an .874 save percentage.

The Oilers are 6-1 in their last seven games as a road underdog when listed between +110 and +150 odds and I think we're getting more than a reasonable price on the visitors. 

10* play on Edmonton Oilers. 

PATRIOTS @ JETS MONDAY NIGHT AFC EAST SHOWDOWN *TOP PLAY*

NY Jets QB Sam Darnold missed three games from mononucleosis but came back with one of the best games of his career when he led the team to major upset against Dallas last week. 

We can however note that Darnold threw for just 175 yards and was sacked four times when he faced the Bills elite defense in his only other start this season on September 9. The Pats D is right up there with Buffalo's ranking near the top of the league in several defensive categories and the Jets left Gilette Stadium without an offensive touchdown in a 30-14 loss a couple of weeks ago.

Under is 9-0 in Patriots last 9 road games vs. a team with a losing home record and 6-1 in the last 7 meetings and keep in mind that the Jets rank dead last in tempo taking almost 31 seconds per play. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MONDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE *TOP PLAY*

This will be the fifth meeting ever between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Philadelphia Flyers. The road team has won all the previous matchups, and that's a trend I think will continue here. 

The reeling Flyers have scored just seven goals through an 0-3-1 stretch while the Knights are as solid as ever with four wins in their last five games. They've held opponents to fewer than two goals per game when playing on the road this season and should have no trouble to shut down the Flyers.  

Golden Knights are 12-5 in their last 17 games as a road favorite and 14-6 in their last 20 games following a win. Flyers are 0-7 in their last 7 games as an underdog.

10* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

SUNDAY NIGHT NHL BIG HITTER *TOP PLAY*

The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off wins over the Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets after starting the season 0-2-1. I think they'll come up short here in the fifth game of a seven-game homestand. 

The visiting Washington Capitals are 3-1-0 on the road this season and are playing solid hockey at the moment. We can also note that their netminder Braden Holtby (2-1-2, 3.83 GAA) is 8-3 in his career vs. Chicago while the Blackhawks' goalies have struggled in previous meetings with the Caps. 

Capitals are 8-3 in their last 11 games as a road favorite of -110 to -150. Blackhawks are 17-35 in their last 52 games as an underdog of +110 to +150.

10* play on Washington Capitals. 

CANADIENS @ WILD POWER PLAY

The Minnesota Wild have scored just 14 goals through a 1-6-0 start to the season and were shut out in a 4-0 loss at Montreal Thursday night. They've not been much better at the other end of the ice, ranking 29th in the league in goals against by giving up 4.14 goals per game on the year.  

The Habs have won three of their last four and took down the reigning Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues 5-2 on Saturday afternoon. Playing on no rest is obviously not optimal, but that's also why we're getting such a good price on the visitors. 

The Wild are better than what they've shown so far, but I'm happy to fade them until given a reason not to. 

8* play on Montreal Canadiens. 

SAINTS @ BEARS LATE AFTERNOON BOOKIE BLASTER

We're seeing a very low total for this matchup between the Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints Sunday afternoon, but for a very good reason. I think points will be extremely hard to come by for both teams. 

The Bears rank sixth in the nation for total defense while allowing just 13.8 ppg. They'll no doubt be ready for New Orleans here, coming off their bye week following a disappointing 24-21 loss to Oakland in London, England. 

The Bears hope to get quarterback Mitch Trubisky back after missing the last game because of a left shoulder injury, but he's still a limited quarterback and the team ranks near the bottom of the league with 266.0 yards of total offense per game. Saints' QB Teddy Bridgewater is quite effective running a dink and dunk offense, but he's not really capable of coming up with big plays which will spell disaster against a Chicago's defense that never gives an inch for free. 

Neither will the Saints who just held the Jags to six points and 226 yards of total offense at Jacksonville, and I'm happy to take the under here no matter the number.  

Additionally, note that both teams rank in the bottom five for pace with each side taking almost 30 seconds/play.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL): MIKE'S BEST SIDE FOR OCTOBER

The Cincinnati Bengals managed to cover the 10-point spread in a loss at division rival Baltimore with a late touchdown last week. They're however 1-7 ATS following a loss to a division rival over the last three seasons and I think they'll come up well short in this contest. 

Here they will be facing an angry Jacksonville team coming off a tough home loss to New Orleans. The setback meant that Jacksonville dropped 2-4 on the season, and it does not have the luxury of looking past 0-6 teams like the Bengals. 

While Jax struggled to move the ball against a feisty Saints defense, that should not be an issue here against a Bengals team that is one of the worst in the NFL giving up 426 yards of total offense per game and 184.5 ypg on the ground. Jacksonville is rather average on the offensive side of the ball, but it is very capable of moving the chains on the ground averaging a healthy 127.5 rushing yards per game.

Cincinnati has failed to cover the spread in both of its home games this season and took a 41-17 beating by the Niners as a home dog in Week 2. Jacksonville 2-1 ATS on the road with an impressive outright win at the Mile High in Week 4. 

10* play on Jacksonville Jaguars. 

EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON NO BRAINER TOTAL

The San Francisco 49ers are one of only two remaining undefeated teams in the NFL. They've allowed just a total of 10 points against Cleveland Indians and the LA Rams over their last two games, and each of their last three has gone under the total. Under is 4-1 in their five games this season and this should be another low-scoring contest.  

Here they'll face an offensively inept Washington Redskins team that had scored a total of just 10 points over their last two games before putting up 17 to just barely beat the hapless Miami Dolphins last week. I expect the Niners to take an early lead and then control the clock and keep the Skins offense off the field. 

8* play on UNDER. 

NFL 3-PACK

The Arizona Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons combined for 67 points and helped me cash my NFL total of the week last week. The over is 3-1 in their last four games and I expect to see another high-scoring affair involving Arizona when it visits the NY Giants here in Week 7. 

The Giants have been held to fewer than 15 points in three of six games this season, but they've faced absolute elite defenses in those games. One can hardly blame a team for struggling to put points on the board against Buffalo, New England, and Minnesota, and they did score 32 at Tampa Bay in Week 3. 

Here they'll take shots on an Arizona defense that is among the worst in the league with 414 yards allowed per game, and the Giants are expected to get Saquon Barkley and Evan Engram, two of their most explosive offensive players, back in the lineup for this game. 

As for Arizona's offense, QB Kyler Murray is getting more and more comfortable and has led the team to back-to-back wins. Last time out Murray passed for 340 yards with three touchdowns and also added 32 yards on 11 carries on the ground.

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED ATP MOSCOW KREMLIN CUP FINAL

Andrey Rublev looks like a solid favorite here against Adrian Mannarino in the final at the ATP Kremlin Cup in Moscow. The Russian will receive a massive support from the hometown crowd and he has looked tremendous all week. The fast court here at Moscow should favor Rublev who has more power and managed to put Cilic's second serve under pressure throughout their semifinals clash. 

Rublev is 9-3 indoors this year while Mannarino is 5-4. 

10* play on Andrew Rublev. 

MICHIGAN @ PENN STATE ATS ANNIHILATOR

I like the Penn State Nittany Lions to come through with a big win against Michigan Saturday night. The home-field advantage will be massive in this "White Out" game, with 100,000+ fans all dressed in white at Beaver Stadium for an annual display of support for their beloved Lions. 

Additionally, this is a bad matchup for Michigan who has struggled to move the ball. Sure, it accumulated an impressive 295 yards on the ground in last week's rout of Illinois, but here it'll come up against a Penn State defense that allows just 3.8 yards per play overall and 1.6 yards per play on the ground. 

Nittany Lions are perfect 6-0 SU (5-1 ATS) on the season and 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Wolverines are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall and 1-5 ATS on the road against ranked teams (0-3 ATS as a dog) since the start of the 2017 season. 

8* play on Penn State Nittany Lions. 

ARIZONA STATE @ UTAH PAC-12 PUNISHER

The Arizona State Sun Devils are coming off a dramatic win as Jayden Daniels scored a 17-yard touchdown run with just 34 seconds left on the clock to earn the team a 38-34 home victory as a small dog vs. Washington State. 

The Sun Devils are in somewhat of a letdown spot here, and their opponent Utah Utes are coming off back-to-back routes of Washington State and Oregon State. The Utes outgained the Beavers by a whooping 286 yards last week and could take it pretty easy in the second half after entering halftime with a 35-point lead. 

I expect Utah to put up a dominant performance in front of the home town crowd and cover the spread. 

8* play on Utah Utes. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAF): MIKE'S TOP RATED SATURDAY SIDE

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 10-point loss at Texas Tech. They've had a bye week to mull it over and prepare for this matchup with the Baylor Bears, and I like OSU to bounce back in a big way here. Note that while the Cowboys are "only" 4-2 SU on the season, they had covered the spread in five straight games prior to the loss to the Red Raiders.  

Baylor is in a tough spot following a double-overtime win over that same Texas Tech team last week. The Bears are a perfect 6-0 on the season, but this will be their biggest test so far and one must wonder how much gas they have left in the tank following several close and hard-fought contests. 

Cowboys are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight-up loss. The home team is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 head-to-head meetings.

10* play on Oklahoma State Cowboys. 

TEMPLE @ SMU COLLEGE FOOTBALL MONEYMAKER

The No. 19 SMU Mustangs are favored by a fair amount of points against the No. 25 Temple Owls Saturday afternoon, but I'm counting on the home favorite to get it done. 

Temple is 5-1 SU (4-2 ATS) on the season, but I don't like the spot here coming off an upset win at home over Memphis. The undefeated 6-0 SU (5-1 ATS) Mustangs will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing outing as they failed to cover the spread in a triple-overtime win over Tulsa. They've had a bye to rest for this game which could very well prove to be the difference.

Temple has a good defense, but can it slow down an SMU offense that ranks sixth in the nation averaging 44.2 ppg and has had time to prepare? I think not; take the favorite. 

8* play on SMU Mustangs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (TENNIS): MIKE'S EARLY ATP MOSCOW MONEYMAKER

Write up posted shortly. 

10* play on Andrey Rublev. 

BLUE JACKETS @ BLACKHAWKS POWER PLAY

The Chicago Blackhawks earned their first win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over Edmonton last time out. Getting that first W must've been a relief and putting them in a letdown spot, making me believe they'll be back to their losing ways here when hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Columbus has won three of its last four and is coming off back-to-back 3-2 wins against Carolina and Dallas. It has outshot each of its last four opponents and should be able to take advantage of a Chicago penalty kill that has allowed five goals on 13 shorthanded situations through the first four games. 

8* play on Columbus Blue Jackets. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NHL NO BRAINER

The Dallas Stars are a mess with just one win and three points through their first eight games of the season. I think the Pittsburgh Penguins will add to their misery when they host the Stars home at PPG PAINTS Arena Friday night. 

Pittsburgh is off a hot 5-2-0 start and it enters this contest as a winner of four on the bounce while tallying a total of 19 goals in the process. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is leading the team with four goals and eight assists and the team is scoring 4.00 goals per game. 

The Stars on the other hand has averaged a league-low 1.88 gpg and their big guns, Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, are both struggling, just as their star netminder Ben Bishop on the other end of the ice. 

8* play on Pittsburgh Penguins. 

LATE NIGHT SABRES @KINGS BANKROLL BAILOUT PLAY 

This looks like a good spot to back the LA Kings who are coming off back-to-back home losses, but no shame in losing to Nashville and Carolina. They will be playing on one day rest while the visiting Buffalo Sabres will be playing on no rest after seeing a three-game winning streak come to an end with a 5-2 loss at Anaheim last night.  

The Kings have struggled on the defensive end of the rink, but I think they'll wear down the Sabres in this one. 

8* play on LA Kings. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED CHIEFS @ BRONCOS TOTAL

I think the posted total is set way too high for this Thursday Night Football clash between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High. 

The usually so high-scoring Chiefs have averaged only 21.5 ppg during an 0-2 SU and ATS slide. MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes has completed just 55 percent of his passes during that stretch and is visibly bothered by a lingering ankle injury. To be fair, he is not getting much help from a banged up offensive line and the Chiefs ground game is virtually non-existent. 

As for the Broncos they're trending in the opposite direction, and almost solely because of a defense that has been excellent in back-to-back wins. Note that they recorded seven sacks with three interceptions in last week's 16-0 shutout triumph over Tennessee. The Broncos do not bring much to the table offensively though, and when they do move the ball it will mainly be on the ground which will take time off the clock. 

The under is 13-2 over the last three seasons in Denver games with a total between 42.5 and 49 points and 11-3 L14 when facing a division rival. 

10* play on UNDER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTNING @ BRUINS *TOP PLAY*

I like the price we get on the Boston Bruins, one of the hottest teams in the league, when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning home at TD Garden Thursday night. 

This is a very tough spot for the visitors who are off to a rather slow start, will be playing on one day of rest and close out a six-game road trip. Boston on the other hand will play on two days rest and this marks its third straight home game after beating New Jersey and Anaheim by a combined score of 7-2 in the first two.   

The Lightning won three of the four meetings between the teams last season, but I expect Boston to come through in this one. 

10* play on Boston Bruins. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S CANES @ SHARKS LATE NIGHT *TOP PLAY*

The Carolina Hurricanes blanked the Kings in LA last night to move to 6-1-0 on the season. This looks like a good spot to fade the Canes though; note that road dogs on no rest and coming off a road win as a favorite are just 4-13 SU since the start of last season with a 28.8% ROI betting against them.

Here they'll face a San Jose Sharks looking to go on a run after a slow 2-4-0 start. The Sharks have some momentum following back-to-back wins and they've won four straight when hosting Carolina and four of the last five meetings overall. 

10* play on San Jose Sharks. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT STARS @ BLUE JACKETS POWER PLAY

This looks like a great spot to fade the Dallas Stars who are winless in three straight games and just 1-5-1 on the season. They've scored just a total of three goals during their current slide and here they'll face a Columbus team that must feel pretty good after winning three of its last two, the most recent a big underdog win at Carolina (the Canes only loss this season). 

The Blue Jackets have won seven straight head-to-head meetings and that's a trend I think will continue. 

8* play on Columbus Blue Jackets. 

TUESDAY NIGHT $20 SPECIAL NHL NO BRAINER

I like the price we get on the Detroit Red Wings at Vancouver Canucks Tuesday night.

The home team will be without its starting netminder Jacob Markstrom who has been granted leave of absence due to personal reasons. Backup goaltender Thatcher Demko will make his season debut and posted a not very impressive 2.81 GAA in nine appearances (eight starts) last season. 

The Red Wings are undefeated on the road (2-0-0) and have won three of five games overall, each win paying at least +140 for backers. The visitors are 22-8 in their last 30 as the underdog. 

8* play on Detroit Red Wings. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Washington Nationals have absolutely dominated the Cards through the first three games of this series, and I think they'll finish off the Cards home at Nationals Park Tuesday night. 

St. Louis' righty Dakota Hudson (16-7, 3.35 ERA) allowed four runs (one earned) on five hits and a pair of walks against Atlanta in his NLDS start. The 25-year-old has struggled with walks all season long and the Nats have shown good patience at the plate in this series. 

The same can not be said about the Cardinals, and desperation is not always a good think when it comes to baseball. The team has been swinging at just about everything and struck out 16 times in Monday's 8-1 loss. Note that Nats' lefty Patrick Corbin (14-7, 3.25 ERA) has 14 Ks in 8 1/3 innings of work this postseason. 

Nationals are 13-3 in Corbin's last 16 home starts and 10-1 in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Stick a fork in the Cardinals, they're done. 

8* play on Washington Nationals. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED NLCS GAME 3 TOTAL

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals combined for just six runs through the first two games of this series (both Nats victories), and I think it's safe to say that runs will come at a premium once again here at Nationals Park Monday night. 

Cards 23-year-old righty Jack Flaherty (1-1, 2.77 ERA) was outstanding following the All Star break. He posted a sub-1 ERA in both August and September and was solid in the NLDS against the Braves with four runs allowed and 16 Ks over 13 innings of work. As for Nats starter Stephen Strasburg (2-0, 2.40 ERA), the veteran righty has allowed only four runs with 21 Ks over 15 innings of work in the playoffs this year and he held St. Louis to three runs with 15 Ks over 11-plus frames during the regular season. 

Under is 6-2 in Nationals last 8 overall. Under is 16-6 in Cardinals last 22 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 13-4-2 in Flaherty's last 19 starts overall. Under is 5-2-1 in Strasburg's last 8 starts overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONDAY MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Buffalo Sabres are 4-0-1 on the season, a record that includes a perfect 3-0-0 run home at KeyBank Center. Here they'll host a Dallas Stars team that is off to a slow start, and I like Buffalo to come out of this one with its perfect home record intact. 

The Stars have a 1-4-1 record and are coming off back-to-back home losses to Washington and Calgary during which they went 1-for-10 on the power play while allowing goals in 3-of-7 shorthanded situations. Extremely worrying for the Stars as the Sabres lead the NHL with a 42%+ conversion rate on their 19 opportunities with an extra skater on the ice. 

Dallas has averaged just 2.2 goals per game on the season, and while it's still early days I think Stars will struggle to keep up with this Sabres team looking to ride the momentum of its hot start. 

10* play on Buffalo Sabres. 

SUPER EARLY PANTHERS @ DEVILS BANKROLL BUILDER

The New Jersey Devils are 0-3-2 on the season and I think they'll have to wait for at least another game until they pick up their first win. 

The visiting Florida Panthers have only been marginally better with one win on the season, but they will be looking forward to the opportunity of taking advantage of a lesser opponent following back-to-back shootout losses at Buffalo and NY Islanders. The Panthers outshot their opponents by an average of 10 shots in those contests and should have no trouble to get the better of a Devils side that has scored just five goals in four games and been shut out in two of its last three. 

We can also note that even though still not confirmed, two-time Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky should be back in the crease for the visitors after being rested Saturday.

8* play on Florida Panthers. 

STEELERS @ CHARGERS SUNDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN

The Pittsburgh Steelers visit the LA Chargers for a Sunday Night Showdown here in Week 6, and if you like action-packed football you might want to look away. 

Pittsburgh is down to its third-string quarterback after injuries to Big Ben and Mason Rudolph. Undrafted rookie Devlin Hodges will make his first start under center, and I don't expect much offensive production from him. The Steelers might have to try and move the chains on the ground, but this is a team that has averaged a pathetic 67.0 rushing yards per game (29th in the NFL) on the season. The home team will almost certainly stack the line of scrimmage and dare the inexperienced Steelers QB to make plays. 

The Steelers D knows it will have to step up big time to give the team a chance to win here, and the Chargers have issues with their offensive line. LA quarterback Philip Rivers is coming off one of the worst games of his career as he was limited to 32-of-48 passing for 211 yards and a pair of interceptions against the Broncos last week. 

Under is 4-0 in Chargers last 4 games overall and 14-6 in their last 20 games in Week 6. Under is 6-0 in Steelers last 6 games in Week 6 and 37-15 in their last 52 road games. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S MAJOR WAGER TOTAL

The Atlanta Falcons have 99 problems, but scoring points ain't one. You would think that putting 32 points on the board would be enough to a W, but that was not the case for the Falcons as they took a 53-32 loss at Houston last week. 

Only KC's Patrick Mahomes has more passing yards than Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, and here Ryan will get to take shots against an Arizona defense that ranks in the bottom third against the pass and in the bottom five for total defense. The Falcons D is only marginally better and it allowed Houston QB Deshaun Watson to complete 28-of-33 passes for 426 yards and five touchdown passes in Week 5. 

Arizona will enter this contest feeling pretty good about themselves after accumulating 514 yards of offense in a 26-23 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Rookie QB Kyler Murray ran for a career-high 93 yards and completed 20-of-32 passes for 253 yards without an interception.  

Over is 8-3 in Falcons last 11 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game. Over is 14-6-1 in Falcons last 21 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 4-1 in Cardinals last 5 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.

It's a big number, but I expect both teams to score fast and easy until the very last possession. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NFL): MIKE'S BEST BET ATS ~ HUGE 6-0 WEEK 5 & 21-8 (72%) NFL YTD

The New Orleans Saints are 3-0 since losing their future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees to a thumb injury. Their defense has been excellent in recent weeks, holding the Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to fewer than 270 yards of total offense each.

I don't think the Saints will have any trouble to shut down the Jags with a rookie under center. The 23-year-old Gardner Minshew has received a lot of praise, and while he admittedly surpassed all expectations, note that the Jags are only 2-3 on the season. Minshew completed only 26-of-44 passes against Carolina, and he has been sacked seven times over the last two games. The Saints got to Tampa Bay QB Jameis Winston six times last time out... 

As for Jacksonville's defense, it allowed Carolina running back Christian McCaffrey to run riot in a 34-27 Panthers win last week. The Saints have a balanced attack and are certainly capable of doing some damage on the ground. We can also note that Saints backup QB Teddy Bridgewater came alive with four touchdown passes in their Week 5 win over the Bucs. As far as backup quarterbacks in the NFL, it's hard to find anyone more experienced than Bridgewater with 32 starts under his belt. 

Saints are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games in Week 6 and 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game. Jaguars are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games in October.

10* play on New Orleans Saints. 

NFL 3-PACK

The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a dominant beatdown of the NY Giants and QB Kirk Cousins had his best game of the season completing 22-of-27 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns. 

Here they'll face a Philadelphia team that didn't look particularly good in its 31-6 win over the Jets last week. The scoreline is somewhat deceiving as they had just 265 yards of total offense but managed to take advantage of timely turnovers. Their defense was dominant with 10 sacks and two defensive touchdowns, but again, it was against the Jets, arguably one of the worst teams in the league. Philly's secondary is still banged up and Cousins should be able to take advantage. 

As for Minnesota's defense, it's one of the best in the league and the Eagles are not clicking on the offensive side of the ball. All things considered, I like Minnesota to win and cover in a low-scoring contest. 

8* play on Minnesota Vikings. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a dominant beatdown of the NY Giants and QB Kirk Cousins had his best game of the season completing 22-of-27 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns. 

Here they'll face a Philadelphia team that didn't look particularly good in its 31-6 win over the Jets last week. The scoreline is somewhat deceiving as they had just 265 yards of total offense but managed to take advantage of timely turnovers. Their defense was dominant with 10 sacks and two defensive touchdowns, but again, it was against the Jets, arguably one of the worst teams in the league. Philly's secondary is still banged up and Cousins should be able to take advantage. 

As for Minnesota's defense, it's one of the best in the league and the Eagles are not clicking on the offensive side of the ball. All things considered, I like Minnesota to win and cover in a low-scoring contest. 

8* play on UNDER

SEAHAWKS @ BROWNS BANKROLL BUILDER

The Cleveland Browns entered the season hyped up as a potential Super Bowl contender and have as such been overrated by bookmakers and the public for most of the season. 

I think the complete is true here though after getting completely dressed down in a disastrous  31-3 Monday night loss to the 49ers, and I like a fired up Browns side to get the job done here.  

Seattle is 4-1 straight-up on the season, but it has caught plenty of lucky breaks and this is a tough spot playing on the opposite side of the country. The Seahawks pass defense ranks 26th in the NFL and Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield look primed for a big bounce back game after going 8-of-22 passing with a pair of picks. 

Browns are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game. 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game. Seahawks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.

8* play on Cleveland Browns. 

SUPER EARLY PANTHERS @ BUCS BOOKIE BLASTER @ LONDON

The Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will clash in London, England across the pond early on Sunday. I think the point spread for this contest is completely off. 

The Panthers opened the season 0-2 with the last setback a 20-14 home loss to Tampa Bay, but they have bounced back with three straight wins with quarterback Kyle Allen under center and red hot running back in Christian McCaffrey has totaled over 600 all-purpose yards over those games. Here he'll face a Bucs defense that is mediocre at best and just gave up 457 yards in a 31-24 loss at New Orleans. 

The Panthers are rolling and should get revenge here. 

8* play on Carolina Panthers. 

SATURDAY NIGHT USC @ NOTRE DAME BANKROLL BUILDER

The No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 15-0 SU (9-6 ATS) as a favorite dating back to the start of last season. Here they'll face a USC Trojans team that is 1-7 SU (2-6 ATS) as an underdog over that same timeframe, and I really like the Irish to rout the visitors home in South Bend. 

The Irish shut out Bowling Green in a 52-0 triumph last week and have recorded 10 sacks over their last two games. They have one loss this year but lost by just six points as a 15.5-point dog at Georgia. 

This will be USC's third road game on the season. It is 0-2 SU and ATS through the first two while Notre Dame is 3-0 SU and ATS at home, with a point differential of 51.3 to 11.3. 

This is a complete no-brainer in my mind. Lay the points.

8* play on Notre Dame Fighting Irish. 

NATIONALS @ CARDINALS NLCS GAME 2 *TOP PLAY*

The St. Louis Cardinals were shut out and were no-hit until the seventh inning in the Washington Nationals 2-0 win in the opener of this NLCS Friday night. I expect another low-scoring contest in Game 2. 

Nats righty Max Scherzer (1-0, 2.77 ERA) held the Dodgers to one run and four hits over seven innings in the NLDS and owns a 3.31 ERA in 11 career meetings with the Cards. As for St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright (0-0, 0.00 ERA), the veteran right-hander held Atlanta to four hits over 7 2/3 shutout innings in their NLDS series and he has a 1.35 ERA versus Washington this season. 

Under is 5-1-1 in Scherzer's last 7 road starts. Under is 18-7-1 in Wainwright's last 26 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 8-3 in Cardinals last 11 playoff home games. Under is 6-0-1 in the last 7 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAF): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10 UNIT TOTAL

The Iowa State Cyclones are coming off a dominant 49-24 win over TCU. They had no trouble to move the ball against an elite Horned Frogs defense, and I think they'll pile up the points against West Virginia.

The Mountaineers meanwhile took a 41-32 loss against Texas last week but it would've been even closer if quarterback Austin Kendall didn't throw four interceptions. Still, Kendall finished with 367 passing yards and also threw three touchdown passes, and their offense helped the Mountaineers beat NC State 44-27 as a seven-point dog on September 14. 

All of the Mountaineers' last four games have gone over the total, and while I'm not confident they'll cover the spread I think they'll put a fair amount of points on the board. 

Over is 5-1 in Mountaineers last 6 home games. Over is 9-3 in Mountaineers last 12 games following a straight-up loss.

10* play on OVER. 

FLORIDA STATE @ CLEMSON BOOKIE BLASTER

The Florida State Seminoles are averaging 33.2 ppg on the season, and they've looked particularly good in the last two games with Wisconsin transfer Alex Hornibrook under center. 

Here they'll face a Clemson team that just barely beat North Carolina at Chapel Hill prior to its bye week. Sure, Clemson will be fresh and hungry, but that's also true FSU which will be playing on two weeks rest as well and we can note that Clemson is 1-3 ATS in its last four off a bye.

Additionally, there's a nice revenge angle for the visitors after suffering a 59-10 loss to Clemson home in Tallahassee last year, their worst home loss in school history. 

While the Tigers almost certainly will roll, we're getting too many points to pass on.

8* play on FSU Seminoles. 

RED RIVER RIVALRY SHOWDOWN

The No. 5 Oklahoma Sooners looked sluggish in the first half of last week's matchup with Kansas, but they showed their class after the break to finish a 25-point winner.

Perhaps the Sooners were already looking ahead to this Red River Rivalry matchup against the No. 11 Texas Longhorns, and I expect to see a fully focused Oklahoma team for this one. 

While Oklahoma has been able to cruise through the whole season (it has closed each as 20-point favorites or more won all by at least 18 points), Texas has faced tough opponents and has taken a loss to LSU. In its last two games, Texas has faced Oklahoma State and most recently West Virginia, both games likely to result in tired and banged up bodies. 

Texas can score points, but its defense has given up 30+ points in half of its games this season. The Sooners, on the other hand, have held all their opponents to 20 points or fewer, and I don't see Texas keeping up with the best offense in the nation.

8* play on Oklahoma Sooners. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAF): MIKE'S TOP RATED WEEK 7 SIDE

The Maryland Terrapins were embarrassed in a 59-0 loss against PSU in Week 5, but they got back on track last week by putting a 41-point beating on Rutgers on the road.

I like the Terps to make it two on the bonce here against a Purdue team that is in a tailspin, coming off three straight losses and getting outgained by 350+ yards in a 35-7 loss at PSU last week. 

Maryland QB Josh Jackson is out with a sprained ankle, so Tyrrell Pigrome (28 career games, 4 starts) will take his place under center. "We have a lot of confidence in Piggy and his ability to perform and run our offense," coach Michael Locksley said Tuesday. 

I'm counting on the Terps to do most of their damage on the ground anyway, entering this contest 20th in the nation in rushing and facing a Purdue defense that just gave up 196 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to Penn State. 

I'm happy to give the field goal as I don't think Purdue will come even close to cover. 

10* play on Maryland Terrapins. 

NATS @ CARDS NLCS GAME 1 MONEYLINE MASSACRE *TOP PLAY*

I think we're getting a more than fair price on the St. Louis Cardinals to win the opener of their National League Championship Series against the Washington Nationals. 

Nats righty Anibal Sanchez (0-0, 1.80 ERA) was tagged with three runs on five hits and a pair of walks in five innings when he took on the Cardinals back in April. He could be in trouble here against a team that is batting .251 in the postseason with Marcell Ozuna (9-for-21, three doubles, two homers, five RBI) and Paul Goldschmidt (9-for-21, two homers) leading the way. As for Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas (1-0, 1.50 ERA), the right-hander went 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA against the Nationals during the regular season. 

Cardinals are 6-2 in Mikolas' last 8 starts and 7-2 in the last nine meetings with Washington. 

10* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED ISLANDERS @ CANES TOTAL

The Carolina Hurricanes are a perfect 4-0-0 on the season, and while they've mostly been involved in high-scoring games I think that will not be the case here. 

The New York Islanders are 1-2-0 on the season. They've not been too shabby defensively with eight goals allowed in three games, but producing goals at the other end of the ice has been an issue. They've mustered only seven on the season, with four of those goals coming against the leaky Winnipeg Jets. Note that Canes netminder Petr Mrazek posted a 2.04 GAA in two meetings with the Islanders last year. 

Under is 16-6 in Hurricanes last 22 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200 and 6-0-2 in Islanders last 8 games as an underdog of +151 to +200.

10* play on UNDER. 

SHARKS @ BLACKHAWKS MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The San Jose Sharks will be extremely motivated for this contest after starting the season 0-4. They're so much better than their record would suggest, and here they'll face a Chicago team off a 4-3 loss against Philadelphia at the Czech rebublic. My money is on San Jose to get the first W of the season. 

8* play on San Jose Sharks. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Philadelphia Flyers opened the season with a 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the Czech Republic last Friday. They've had plenty of time to recover from the transatlantic journey, and according to Jakub Voracek the long layoff won't be an issue. 

"Usually it is, to be honest," the 30-year-old Voracek said (of the layoff). "But if you watched today's practice, I think there was a high pace and I think everybody pushed pretty hard. We're going to skate (Wednesday morning) and we'll be fine."

The Devils are 0-1-1 on the season. They opened the season by blowing a four-goal lead to lose 5-4 in a shootout against the Jets and took a 7-2 loss at Buffalo last time out. They've struggled on the defensive end of the rink and are 4-10 in their last 14 games following a loss of three or more goals. The Flyers are 11-4 in their last 15 games as a favorite, and if they could beat Chicago on neutral ice they should handle New Jersey at home with ease. 

10* play on Philadelphia Flyers. 

CARDINALS @ BRAVES NLDS GAME 5 TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The Atlanta Braves host the St. Louis Cardinals for the finale of their NLDS Wednesday. The pitching matchup is the same as in Game 2, a contest the Braves won 3-0, and I predict another low-scoring encounter. 

Cards righty Jack Flaherty (11-8, 2.75 ERA) had an epic second half of the season during which he went 7-2 with a minuscule 0.91 ERA. Braves righty Mike Foltynewicz (8-6, 4.54 ERA) outdueled Flaherty in Game 2 with seven shutout innings and he had a 1.73 ERA over his last seven regular-season starts.

Under is 13-3-2 in Flaherty's last 18 starts overall. Under is 15-7-1 in Braves last 23 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 4-1-1 in Foltynewicz's last 6 starts overall. Under is 16-5 in Cardinals last 21 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* TUESDAY NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Detriot Red Wings have opened the season 2-0, beating two very accomplished teams as they first picked up a win at Nashville followed by a 4-3 triumph over Dallas on Sunday. Tonight they'll host an Anaheim team that also is undefeated, but this will be the Ducks first road game of the season and I don't like their chances here at Little Caesars Arena. 

Anaheim has been outshot in both of its first two games, and while it allowed only one goal in each game I would not call it a good defensive side.

Detroit has scored nine goals on the season and might get another offensive threat back on the ice here in Andreas Athanasiou who missed the first two games with an injury. 

10* play on Detroit Red Wings. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED ASTROS @ RAYS SIDE

The Tampa Bay Rays fought off elimination with a 10-3 win in Monday's Game 3, but I think they'll come up well short here in Game 4.

The Houston Astros watched the Yankees sweep the Twins last night, and they'll be looking to close this series ASAP to avoid a rest disadvantage for the ALCS. 

Houston ace Justin Verlander (1-0, 0.00 ERA) knocked out eight through seven innings of a 6-2 Astros win in the opener of this series, and he is 6-3 with a 2.87 ERA in 10 career starts at Tropicana Field. As for the Rays, they'll open with Diego Castillo who had little success as an opener during the regular season (6.15 ERA in six outings). 

The Astros was 12-3 against the runline as a road favorite of -220 or more during the regular season. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

$20 TUESDAY SPECIAL

I'm counting on the New York Islanders to come through as a home favorite over the Edmonton Oilers Tuesday night. The Islanders have split a couple of games home at Barclays Center and shut down the high-scoring Winnipeg Jets in a 4-1 triumph last time out. They'll be looking to close out this three-game homestand with a winning record before heading out on the road.  

The Islanders have two quality goalies in Thomas Greiss and Semyon Varlamov, and the team has allowed just three goals on the season. That defensive display is in stark contrast to the Oilers who gave up more than that in their last contest alone, a 6-5 home win over the LA Kings. 

The Oilers have dropped 10 of the last 12 matchups in New York and they were just 10-20 as a road dog last season. As for the Islanders, they're 19-12 as a home favorite since the start of last season. 

8* play on New York Islanders. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees have played high-scoring contests when facing each other all season long, and the playoffs have been no exception. I expect runs to come fast and easy once again here in Game 3 of their ALDS Monday night. 

Yankees righty Luis Severino (1-1, 1.50 ERA) has pitched just 12 innings this year after missing most of it due to shoulder and lat injuries. He has up a pair of runs on one hit and four walks in three innings of a 9-4 loss at Texas on September 28 and Severino has a 4.15 ERA in two career starts against the Twins.

Minnesota right-hander Jake Odorizzi (15-7, 3.51 ERA) owns a 4.71 ERA in 18 career outings (17 starts) against the Yankees and he was tagged for nine runs on 10 hits in just four innings when he took on the Bronx Bombers here at Target Field back in July. This is a do-or-die spot for the Twins as they face elimination, and I think they'll bring the bats (as per usual). 

Over is 14-3 in the last 17 meetings, 16-5 in Severino's last 21 starts overall and 7-1-2 in Twins last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

10* play on OVER. 

BLUES @ MAPLE LEAFS MONEYLINE MASSACRE

I like the Toronto Maple Leafs to bounce back from a 6-5 shootout loss to Montreal at home Saturday night. They ran out of steam late and coughed up a 4-1 lead, not entirely surprising considering it was their second game in as many nights.

We can also note that they had their backup goalie in the crease, but Frederik Andersen is expected to be back between the sticks for this one. 

The Leafs should come into this contest fairly rested and looking to make a statement against the reigning Stanley Cup champs and, they'll also be looking to end a six-game losing streak in the series.

As for the Blues, they're coming off a 3-2 home win over Dallas to make it 1-0-1 on the season. They've struggled to get the offense going and I think they'll come up short in their first road contest of the season. 

8* play on Toronto Maple Leafs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED MLB MONEYLINE

I absolutely love the price we get on the LA Dodgers as they seek to earn back home advantage in this NLDS after splitting two games home in Chavez Ravine. Here they'll come up against Washington righty Max Scherzer (0-0, 4.50 ERA) who surrendered three runs on four hits (two homers) through five innings of a 6-0 Dodgers win in the series opener. As for Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu (14-5, 2.32 ERA), the left-hander held the Nats to one run and nine hits in two regular season starts covering 14 2/3 innings. 

Washington won the last matchup 4-2, but note that the Dodgers are 22-6 in Ryu's last 28 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game and 17-4 in Ryu's last 21 Sunday starts.

Edit: The Nats have since made a pitching change to Anibal Sanchez (11-8, 3.85 ERA). A motivated LAD team should have no issues to score runs off the veteran who finished the regular season with a 4.24 ERA home at Nationals Park.  

10* play on Los Angeles Dodgers. 

STARS @ RED WINGS MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Detroit Red Wings opened the season with a 5-3 triumph at Nashville on Saturday while the Dallas Stars fell to 0-0-2 with a 3-2 setback at St. Louis. 

The Red Wings are 7-1 in their last 8 games as an underdog and they've won eight straight meetings with the Stars. Dallas has early injury woes and I'm looking for the Wings to take full advantage and continue their dominance of the Stars. 

8* play on Detroit Red Wings. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

I like the Green Bay Packers to keep it a close game and possibly come through with an outright upset in a low-scoring game at Dallas Sunday afternoon. 

The Cowboys struggled to break down New Orleans on Sunday Night Football last weekend, and here they'll face a defense that has allowed just 17.2 ppg. Defense travels and the Packers have already proven themselves on the road with a 10-3 win at Chicago in Week 1. Additionally, they have also defeated Minnesota and Denver at home while holding their opponents to 16 points each. 

As for Dallas, it has mostly been beating up on weaker sides, but it has done a great job on the defensive side of the ball lately with a total of just 18 points allowed over its last two games. 

The under is 6-1 in Cowboys last 7 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game and 4-0 in Packers last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. I'm happy to take the points in what should be a defensive battle. 

8* play on Green Bay Packers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL *MAJOR WAGER ALERT*

The Minnesota Vikings didn't get on the scoreboard until the middle of the fourth quarter in last week's 16-6 loss to the Chicago Bears. 

Over/under is 29-41-4 in games where a team scored seven or fewer points last time out dating back to the start of the 2017 season, and I think this has all the signs of a low-scoring affair. 

The Vikes have struggled to protect QB Kirk Cousins who was sacked six times against the Bears and running back Dalvin Cook was completely shut down, finishing with just 35 yards on 14 carries. The Giants defense is of course not nearly as good as Chicago's, but it has been more vulnerable through the air which is not something Minnesota can exploit effectively. 

On the defensive side of the ball, Minnesota has been as solid as ever. It held Chicago to 269 yards of total offense and ranks sixth in the NFL with 312.8 yards allowed per game despite facing what I consider good offenses in three of its four games. The Vikings should be able to shut down Giants team playing without its star running back and a rookie QB (Daniel Jones) who threw two interceptions in a 24-3 win over Washington last week.

Under is 5-0 in Vikings last 5 road games. Under is 15-7 in Giants last 22 home games.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MAJOR WAGER SIDE

Not only are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a letdown spot following a huge 55-40 road win at LA Rams, but they're also on the road for a second straight week. Extremely tough spot for any team and I like the New Orleans Saints to get the job done in back-to-back home games. 

The Saints have played reasonably well since losing star QB Drew Brees to a thumb injury and most recently defeated Dallas 12-10 on Monday night football. With the offense lacking, the Saints relied on their defense to beat the previously undefeated Cowboys and that same formula should work again in this game. 

I would simply not count on Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston to throw for four touchdown passes in back-to-back games. Note his 9/5 TD/INT ratio on the season and keep in mind that the Bucs were outgained 518-464 offensive yards against the Rams who won the first down battle 36-27. 

Tampa Bay managed to take full advantage of four Rams turnovers (three Goff interceptions), but their secondary gave up over 500 yards passing to Jared Goff and Saints backup QB Teddy Bridgewater is, even if not spectacular, at the very least serviceable.  

Additionally, we can note that the Saints are 22-5 ATS in their last 27 games in October.

10* play on New Orleans Saints. 

FALCONS @ TEXANS DAYTIME DESTROYER

The Atlanta Falcons are just 1-3 SU and ATS on the season. They've failed to cover in both games on the road to fall to 5-14-1 ATS outside of Mercedes-Benz Stadium home in Atlanta since the start of the 2017 season. Here they'll face an angry Houston Texans team that came out completely flat in a 16-10 home loss to Carolina last week. 

The Texans are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game, and their offense should have no trouble to take advantage of a hurting Atlanta D that allowed Titans' QB Marcus Mariota to throw three touchdown passes last week. We can also note Atlanta's minus-five turnover differential, only the Miami Dolphins have a worse differential.

Houston has everything to play for, entering Week 5 in a four-way tie for first in the AFC South while the Falcons are dead last in the NFC South. I'm counting on the Texans to get the job done here. 

8* play on Houston Texans. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON PATRIOTS @ REDSKINS TOTAL

The New England Patriots lead the NFL in most defensive categories and have allowed an average of just 243 yards and 6.8 ppg. Three of their first four games of the season have gone under the total, the exception a 30-14 win over the Jets that went over the total by a single point. 

Here the Patriots will face a Washington Redskins team that was held to a field goal and fewer than 180 yards of total offense in a loss to the New York Giants last week. 

This all boils down to how many points Bill Belichick and Tom Brady feel the need to put on the board, and my assumption is that they'll be happy with a pedestrian win and keep everyone healthy. The Pats might reach 30 points, but I highly doubt Washington will put up more than 10. 

Under is 8-0 in Patriots last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

8* play on UNDER. 

BILLS @ TITANS NFL NO BRAINER

Two of the better defenses in the league will clash at Nissan Stadium Sunday afternoon with Buffalo ranking fifth allowing 15.8 ppg and Tennessee fourth allowing 15.5 ppg. 

The Bills held the mighty Patriots to just 16 points (still lost the game) last time out while the Titans held the Falcons high-powered offense in check in a 24-10 win in Atlanta last week. Under is 5-1 in Titans last 6 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game and 4-0 in Bills last 4 games overall.

Neither defense has allowed an opponent to score more than 20 points in a game this season, which would have to happen for this game to go over the total. I see absolutely no reason to take a contrarian approach to the total for this contest. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MAN UNITED @ NEWCASTLE PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Manchester United did not even manage to get a shot on goal in their midweek 0-0 draw with AZ in the Champions League. Here they'll face a Newcastle team that will clamp down on defense to ensure they do not repeat the same mistakes as in last week's 5-0 loss at Leicester. Their three Premier League home games during the 2019/2020 season have seen a total of just three goals, and we can note that the visitors will be without playmakers Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial with respective ankle and thigh problems.

8* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT PITTSBURGH @ DUKE ACC ANNIHILATOR

This looks like a great buy low and sell high situation when the Duke Blue Devils host the Pittsburgh Panthers Saturday night. 

Duke will be overvalued following its 45-10 smackdown of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, but note that the team is just 3-6 ATS as a favorite dating back to the start of last season. 

The public perception of the Panthers, on the other hand, will be low after struggling to put points on the board against Delaware last time out, winning 17-14 as a four-touchdown favorite.

Pitt did limit its opponent to 170 yards of total offense, is second in the nation in sacks with 24 (defense travels), and we can note that the Panthers are 8-5 ATS in their last 13 games as an underdog.  

Pittsburgh has had Duke's number in recent seasons, winning four straight meetings outright, the last two as underdogs. 

8* play on Pittsburgh Panthers. 

SATURDAY ALDS TWINS @ YANKEES TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

We saw a total of 14 runs scored in the opener of this ALDS, and that was with a better pitching matchup than Randy Dobnak vs. Masahiro Tanaka who will take the mound for Game 2. 

On the surface Minnesota righty Dobnak (2-1, 1.59 ERA) has a great ERA, but that mostly boils down to the fact that he has just 28 1/3 big league innings under his belt. As for Yankees righty Tanaka (11-9, 4.45 ERA), while he certainly has more experience, note his mediocre 4.32 ERA in five starts last month. 

Both the Yankees and Twins topped 300 homers during the regular season, and both teams ability to hit the long ball will certainly help to push the score over the total. 

Over is 6-2 in Yankees last 8 playoff home games and 13-3 in the last 16 meetings with the Twins (8-2 in the last 10 meetings in the Bronx). 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAF): MIKE'S EARLY TOP RATED SIDE

The No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners have not had any trouble to cover the spread as massive favorites through their last three games. I think they'll stay sharp and put a beating on the Kansas Jayhawks Saturday afternoon. 

The Jayhawks were absolutely dominated in a 51-14 loss to TCU last week. The Horned Frogs outgained them by 330 yards and were allowed to put up 646 yards of total offense. Oklahoma is the best team in the nation with 669 offensive yards per game and has had its way with its opponents both through the air and on the ground. 

Sooners QB Jalen Hurts threw for a career-high 415 yards and three touchdowns while adding 70 yards rushing and a score on the ground in their 55-16 rout of Texas Tech last week. "There’s no limit. There’s always more. Enough ain’t enough," Hurts said after that contest, and we can expect another monster game from Hurts here as he has his eyes on the Heisman Trophy.

Sooners are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Jayhawks are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games in October and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

If Oklahoma wants to cover this spread, then there's simply nothing Kansas can do about and I'm counting on the Sooners to get it done. 

10* play on Oklahoma Sooners. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAF): MIKE'S TOP RATED SATURDAY AFTERNOON TOTAL

The Penn State Nittany Lions have had no trouble to put points on the board in three of four games on the season, the exception a low-scoring 17-10 win over Pittsburgh. 

They average 50 ppg and scored 59 while racking up 622 yards of total offense in a shut out win at Maryland last time out and I think we'll see Penn State move the ball fast and easy here against a Purdue team that has allowed an average of 32.5 ppg on the season. 

Last time out, the Boilermakers gave up 488 yards of total offense in a 38-31 home loss to Minnesota and over is 7-1 in their last 8 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. 

Purdue has scored 30+ points in three of its four games and I think it'll contribute enough to push the score over the total. 

10* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY TULANE @ ARMY TOTAL

I think points will be hard to come by for both the Army Black Knights and the Tulane Green Wave in this matchup. 

Army leads FBS in rushing attempts per game, and Tulane also prefers to keep the ball on the ground so every possession will take a lot of time off the clock. Army ranks 19th for team total defense giving up 288 yards per game, and Tulane ranks 44th surrendering a respectable 340 ypg.

Additionally, we can note that both teams are coming off their bye week, so they've had plenty of time to get ready for each other. Under is 22-5 in Black Knights last 27 games following a bye week and 17-4 in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S EARLY PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL

To say that Tottenham are vulnerable defensively would be an understatement up seven goals to Bayern Munich in their Champions League matchup midweek. 

They have allowed nine goals in seven Premier League games on the season, and while the home team Brighton usually comes out with a cautious gameplan, it must smell blood and be looking to put on a show in front of the home town crowd at Amex Stadium here. 

Brighton are banged up though, and for all of Tottenham's issues, scoring goals is not one of them. They have world class attackers like Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son and Christian Eriksen who all can create goals out of nothing.

I think we'll see a 2-1 or 3-1 win for the visitors, with the score going over the total.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB PLAYOFFS TOTAL OF THE YEAR 2019

I absolutely love the line we get on the total here in the opener of their ALDS against the New York Yankees, and I expect the final score to fly over the posted total with ease. 

Minnesota righty Jose Berrios (14-8, 3.68 ERA) will make his first postseason start after posting a 4.31 ERA in five September starts. Berrios is 7-4 with a 3.84 ERA in 17 road starts on the season but has had his struggles with the Yankees overall, and particularly in the Bronx where he has a 9.82 ERA in two starts. 

Southpaw James Paxton (15-6, 3.82 ERA) will also be making his postseason debut for the Yankees. He exited his last start after the first inning in Texas on Sept. 27 due to soreness in his left glute muscle, but only after allowing two runs on three hits. 

Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings and the two teams combined for 20 home runs and 57 runs in a three-game series in Minnesota back in July. 

10* play on OVER. 

JETS @ DEVILS FRIDAY NIGHT NHL BOOKIE BLASTER

The Winnipeg Jets came up short in a 6-4 loss at New York Rangers Thursday night. They'll be playing on no rest here at New Jersey the next evening, but I don't think that will be much of an issue this early in the season. Quite the opposite in fact, as they've had a game to scrub the rust of the skates while this will the Devils season opener. 

The Jets held a 47-32 edge in shots against the Rangers and usually have no trouble finding the net. They'll have their backup goalie between the sticks here, but that should not make much of a difference against a Devils team that averaged only 2.67 goals a game last season. 

8* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

EARLY BLACKHAWKS @ FLYERS MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Philadelphia Flyers will take on the Chicago Blackhawks in Prague, the Czech Republic on Friday. The Blackhawks allowed the second-most goals in the NHL last season and Philly has plenty of firepower, particularly in its top line of captain Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek.

This contest seems to be of particular importance to Voracek, a native of Kladno in the Czech Republic. "What does it mean for me? That I get to see my family and friends," Voracek told reporters. "What does it mean for me and the team? That we are here to grab two points. Obviously, we want to have a good start. It didn't happen very often the last few years, so just want to dig in and make sure we show the Czech fans some good hockey."

The Flyers have brought in veteran NHL coach Alain Vigneault, and he should be poised to get the win in his debut with the team. Last season, the Flyers took both meetings and that's a trend I like to continue. 

8* play on Philadelphia Flyers. 

THURSDAY NIGHT RAMS @ SEAHAWKS TOTAL *TOP PLAY*'

We should see an angry and motivated Los Angeles Rams team heading to Seattle looking to bounce back from a 55-40 home loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The reigning NFC champions are as good as anyone on the offensive side of the ball but simply can't trust their defense to win games.

Rams' third-year quarterback Jared Goff threw for 517 yards with two touchdown passes and three picks in that contest and they're averaging a healthy 29.2 ppg on the season. Seattle has an elite rushing defense, but its secondary is mediocre at best. The Seahawks allowed Bengals QB Andy Dalton to pass for 418 yards plus a pair of scores in the opening game of the season. Since then they've faced two teams with backup QBs and one team with a rookie under center. 

Offensively, the Seahawks just put up 20 points in the first half alone against Arizona and I think the two teams will combine for enough points to push the final score over the total. As the clincher, we can note that both matchups last season saw 60+ points scored!

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED JETS @ RANGERS NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The home town crowd will no doubt be fired up here at Madison Square Garden as they look to carry their beloved New York Rangers to a win, but I think they'll come up disappointed.

The Winnipeg Jets are clearly superior to the rebuilding Rangers, and they've had good success in the Big Apple in recent seasons winning five of the last six matchups there. 

Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist finished last season 18-23-10 with a career-worst 3.07 GAA, including 0-1-1 with a 3.39 GAA in two games against Winnipeg.

10* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

CARDINALS @ BRAVES NLDS OPENER *MAJOR WAGER*

I like the Atlanta Braves as a home favorite here in the opener of this National League Divisional Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

The Cards were just one game above .500 on the road during the regular season and right-hander Miles Mikolas (9-14, 4.16 ERA) went 4-8 with a 5.40 ERA in his seven road starts. As for Braves starter Dallas Keuchel (8-8, 3.75 ERA), the left-hander posted a 2.74 ERA in 10 home starts and he is 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA in 10 career postseason outings while this will be Mikolas playoff debut. 

The Braves won four of six meetings during the regular season and I think this is a good enough price to back the home team to get it done. 

10* play on Atlanta Braves. 

OPENING NIGHT SHARKS @ KNIGHTS BOOKIE BLASTER

The San Jose Sharks look way underrated by the bookmakers here in the season opener at Pacific Division rival Vegas Golden Knights. 

"It’s almost as big of a rivalry than LA right now," said Sharks forward Tomas Hertl. "I love these games. Not just the playing, but the fans from both sides. They enjoy the games and the rivalry is just building up. I love these games because it seems like playoff rivalry from the first game of the season." 

Rivalry games are always hard to predict and San Jose has a psychological advantage after knocking out the Knights from the playoffs in a fierce seven-game series last season. I think this is a great price on the underdog considering all the unknowns coming into the new season. 

8* play on San Jose Sharks. 

AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD BOOKIE BLASTER

I like the Oakland Athletics to get the better of the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Wild card game. 

Tampa Bay righty Charlie Morton (16-6, 3.05 ERA) has owned Oakland this season, but he has never won at the Coliseum. He could also be worn down after putting in nearly 200 innings and note his 7.52 ERA over his last five road starts. 

As for A's ace Sean Manaea (4-0, 1.21 ERA), the left-hander should be fairly fresh. Manaea has made just five regular-season starts covering 29 2/3 innings this year after missing nearly 12 months following surgery on a torn labrum. 

The Rays are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter while the A's are 20-8 in their last 28 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on Oakland Athletics. 

BREWERS @ NATIONALS NL WILD CARD *MAJOR WAGER*

The Washington Nationals will host the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Wild Card Tuesday night. I think it's safe to assume that runs will come at a premium. 

Washington has had bullpen issues most of the season, but their starters are as solid as they come (second-best ERA in baseball). In a one-and-done game like this, we can most likely expect to see Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin come out of the pen to relieve starter Max Scherzer (11-7, 2.92 ERA). As for the Brewers, they'll hand the ball to Brandon Woodruff (11-3, 3.62 ERA) who has allowed just seven runs over his last six outings. He'll be well rested after making just two abbreviated starts in September and last pitched on September 22. 

Under is 23-11-2 in Brewers last 36 overall. Under is 6-2 in Woodruff's last 8 starts with 8 or more days of rest.

10* play on UNDER. 

MONDAY NIGHT BENGALS @ STEELERS ATS

I like the Cincinnati Bengals as an underdog in a low-scoring game here at division rival Pittsburgh Monday night. 

While Cincy has struggled to establish its run game, note that running back Joe Mixon showed some life against Buffalo's elite defense last week, and here he'll face a Pittsburgh team that has allowed 139.3 rushing yards per game. Bengals QB Andy Dalton is no world-beater, but he has a respectable 979 passing yards to his name this season and I still trust him over Pittsburgh's second-year quarterback Mason Rudolph who has thrown for just 286 yards over his first two starts. 

The Steelers have won eight straight in the series, but the Bengals must like their chances of ending that streak tonight. We can also note that the Bengals are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games and they've kept it close at Seattle and Buffalo. First to 20 points should win this one, and I'm happy to take the points on the visitors. 

Under is 5-1-2 in Bengals last 8 games overall. Under is 5-2 in Steelers last 7 games overall.

8* play on Cincinnati Bengals. 

MONDAY NIGHT BENGALS @ STEELERS TOTAL

I like the Cincinnati Bengals as an underdog in a low-scoring game here at division rival Pittsburgh Monday night. 

While Cincy has struggled to establish its run game, note that running back Joe Mixon showed some life against Buffalo's elite defense last week, and here he'll face a Pittsburgh team that has allowed 139.3 rushing yards per game. Bengals QB Andy Dalton is no world-beater, but he has a respectable 979 passing yards to his name this season and I still trust him over Pittsburgh's second-year quarterback Mason Rudolph who has thrown for just 286 yards over his first two starts. 

The Steelers have won eight straight in the series, but the Bengals must like their chances of ending that streak tonight. We can also note that the Bengals are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games and they've kept it close at Seattle and Buffalo. First to 20 points should win this one, and I'm happy to take the points on the visitors. 

Under is 5-1-2 in Bengals last 8 games overall. Under is 5-2 in Steelers last 7 games overall.

8* play on UNDER.

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL): MIKE'S BEST NFL BET ATS FOR SEPTEMBER

Dallas will face its first real test of the season when it heads to New Orleans to take on the Saints in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for a Sunday night showdown. 

The Cowboys have had no trouble to beat up on three teams that are a combined 1-8 through the first three weeks of the season, but you can only beat what's in front of you and they're unlikely to stumble against an opponent playing without its star QB quarterback. 

The Saints are coming off a 33-27 win at Seattle, a great result considering that they were outgained by 250 yards. Backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater managed just 177 yards on 19-of-27 passing while running back Alvin Kamara was held 69 yards on 16 carries. The defense/special teams saved the day with three touchdowns, but that's not something that'll happen every week.  

The Cowboys are coming off a 31-6 win over Miami and rank third in the NFL in total offense with 481.3 yards per game. They should have no trouble to take advantage of a New Orleans defense that ranks in the bottom five in the NFL with 436.3 yards allowed per game. 

Additionally, we can note that the Cowboys are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall. They're playing with a lot of confidence, and I don't see an upset happening. 

10* play on Dallas Cowboys. 

TOP RATED BRAVES @ METS TOTAL

I think the scorekeepers will have a quiet afternoon at Citi Field here on the last day of the regular season. 

Mets righty Noah Syndergaard (10-8, 4.30 ERA) will be looking to close out the year with a solid start after getting roughed up in recent outings while Atlanta right-hander Mike Soroka (13-4, 2.60 ERA) need to stay sharp for the postseason. Soroka has limited the Mets to five runs on 13 hits in 12 1/3 innings on the season and we should expect another strong outing here.

Under is 13-4-1 in Braves last 18 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 9-3-1 in Mets last 13 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 5-1 in Soroka's last 6 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED SUNDAY AFTERNOON TOTAL

This is a showdown between two teams that have struggled on the defensive end through the first three games of the season. Both sides are allowing an average of 31.3 ppg and 400+ yards of total offense. The Redskins have seen all three contests fly over the total, and I think this will turn into a shootout. 

The Giants are 1-2 on the season following a thrilling come-from-behind 32-31 win over Tampa Bay. Rookie quarterback Daniel Jones completed 65 percent of his passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns versus zero interceptions in his first career start. Make no mistake, this is a team that can move the ball and it ranks seventh in the NFL for total offense. 

Sure, the injury to Giants' running back Saquon Barkley is not ideal, but I don't think they'll have any trouble to move the chains against a weak Redskins secondary. 

The Giants have the worst pass defense in the league with 332.3 passing yards allowed per game and they allowed Bucs and they let a mediocre QB like Jameis Winston to throw for 380 yards. While Washington QB Case Keenum looked terrible against the Bears Monday night, keep in mind that he was up against one of the best defenses in the league. 

10* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY NFL TOTAL NO BRAINER 

After backing the under in every New England Patriots' game this season (and cashing 2/3), it should not come as a surprise to see that I expect a defensive battle when they visit the Buffalo Bills Sunday afternoon. 

Pats QB Tom Brady has maneuvered the team up and down the field pretty much at will through the first three games of the season, but they've played a soft schedule (Pittsburgh, Miami, New York Jets) and has not faced a defense even near the quality of Buffalo's yet. The home town crowd will be loud and make the play calling for the visitors very difficult, and we can also note that Julian Edelman is considered day-to-day with a rib injury. As for the Patriots defense, it's simply elite and has yet to allow an offensive touchdown this season.

Under is 4-1 in Patriots last 5 games in September. Under is 5-0 in Bills last 5 games in September. Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NFL BOOKIE BLASTER

The Carolina Panthers will enter this Week 4 matchup with the Houston Texans without their starting quarterback Cam Newton for a second straight game. 

While Newton's backup Kyle Allen guided the team to a 38-20 win over Arizona last Sunday, I expect to see a very different result here against a very different team. Houston's elite pass rush led by J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus (who already has four sacks) recorded five sacks in a huge 27-20 road victory against the Los Angeles Chargers last time out. I think it's safe to assume that they have the potential to make life miserable for the inexperienced 23-year-old who has just three career games under his belt. 

As for Houston's offense, QB Deshaun Watson completed 25-of-34 passes for 351 yards and three touchdowns last week and I think the Panthers will find it very hard to slow down this Houston offense on its own turf. 

Panthers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win. Texans are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games in Week 4.

8* play on Houston Texans. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAF): MIKE'S TOP RATED SATURDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Washington State Cougars gave up 67 points and 657 yards of total offense in a loss to the UCLA Bruins last week. On a more positive note, they did also put up 63 points and QB Anthony Gordon had a huge game with 570 yards passing yards and nine touchdown passes. 

Utah's elite run defense is among the best in the nation, but the Cougars won't even try to run the ball and Utah gave up 351 passing yards against USC Trojans last week.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Utes will have quarterback Tyler Huntley and running back Zack Mose likely sidelined due to injuries. They do however have good depth in the backfield and I think they'll have a gameplan in place how to exploit this far from elite Cougars defense. 

Over is 5-1 in Utes last 6 home games. Over is 8-2 in Cougars last 10 road games.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SATURDAY AFTERNOON SIDE

The Iowa State Cyclones took a home loss to Iowa in Week 3, but they bounced right back with a dominant 72-20 triumph over ULM last week. I think they'll keep rolling here in this Week 5 Big 12 conference clash against the Baylor Bears. 

Baylor is a perfect 3-0 SU on the season, but it is just 1-2 against the spread and the offense sputtered in last week's 21-13 win over Rice. Defensively, the Bears have yet to allow a touchdown pass, but they've not had to deal with any high-powered passing offenses yet (Stephen F. Austin, UTSA and Rice). That's about to change as Iowa State QB Brock Purdy was magnificent last time out, passing for 435 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 75 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.  

We can also note that Iowa State is 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 road games while the Bears are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games. The Cyclones have won the last two games played between the two teams and they're 3-1-1 ATS in their last five meetings, trends I like to continue. 

10* play on Iowa State Cyclones. 

SATURDAY AFTERNOON VIRGINIA @ NOTRE DAME BANKROLL BUILDER

The No. 18 Virginia Cavaliers look like a solid underdog at No. 10 Notre Dame Saturday afternoon. 

The Fighting Irish are expected to bounce back from a 23-17 loss to No. 3 Georgia (still covered the 15.5-point spread), but I think they risk coming out flat following such a hard-fought effort. They'll face a Virginia team that is undefeated and high on confidence after putting up 21 four-quarter points to beat Florida State 28-17 last time out. 

The Cavs defense has been excellent allowing just 263.8 ypg on the year and the Irish have struggled to put points on the board. Admittedly, Notre Dame has played a fierce schedule with tough road games and it is on a 13-0 SU (8-5 ATS) run at home, but I still think Virginia's defense will keep this a close game against a beat up Irish side. 

Cavaliers are 13-3 ATS vs. a team with a winning record and 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games in September.

8* play on Virginia Cavaliers. 

SUPER EARLY TEXAS TECH @ OKLAHOMA DAYTIME DESTROYER

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have held opponents to a total of 41 points through their first three games of the season, 16th in the country in scoring defense. 

They limited Arizona QB Khalil Tate to 185 passing yards with a touchdown pass and two picks last time out, and have had plenty of time to prepare for Oklahoma's Jalen Hurts coming off their bye week. 

Now, Oklahoma has also had two weeks to tune-up and Texas Tech will be forced to start its backup quarterback, but I still think the visitors are spotted too many points to pass up. 

Additionally, we can note that Texas Tech is 5-1 ATS as a double-digit underdog since the start of the 2016 season. 

8* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S EARLY TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Liverpool enter Saturday with a perfect 6-0-0 record in the Premier League on the season. They've won four of those games by two goals or more, and I expect to see another rout here at Sheffield United. 

The home team has done surprisingly well considering it played Championship football last season, but this will be the first matchup with an elite team like the Reds. Note that Liverpool have won their last 12 Premier League contests against newly-promoted sides with a stunning 35-4 goal differential.

10* play on Liverpool. 

FRIDAY NIGHT ARIZONA STATE @ CAL BOOKIE BREAKER

I like the Arizona State Sun Devils as an underdog at California Golden Bears Friday night. 

California is a perfect 4-0 SU (2-2 ATS) on the season despiting getting outgained in each of its last three games. It is coming off an upset win at Mississippi, making this a letdown spot against a hungry Arizona State team looking to bounce back from a home loss as a favorite against Colorado.

The Sun Devils' defense had allowed seven games in three straight games before allowing the Buffaloes to put up 34 and I think their D will have a better game tonight. 

Sun Devils are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up loss. Golden Bears are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.

8* play on Arizona State Sun Devils. 

LATE NIGHT ASTROS @ ANGELS TOTAL

The Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels used a combined 18 pitchers in yesterday's 12 inning affair. With a pair of rookie starters and tired arms on both sides, I would not be surprised to see runs dripping in both early and late in this contest. 

Angels left-hander Patrick Sandoval (0-3, 5.25 ERA) rarely goes deep into the games and has not pitched more than 61 pitches in any of his last four starts. He gave up three runs in three innings of an 8-4 Halos win at Houston last week. As for Houston starter Jose Urquidy (1-1, 4.63 ERA), the 24-year-old right-hander has made just eight appearances (six starts) on the season. Two of those outings were against the Angels with Urquidy getting tagged with six runs on 12 hits over 5 1/3 frames. 

Over is 9-2-1 in Angels last 12 Friday games. The over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED TGIF MLB PLAY OF THE DAY *MAJOR WAGER*

The Minnesota Twins have already clinched the division, but they're showing no signs of slowing down and put a 10-4 beating on the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. They'll visit the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series Friday night, and I expect to see a high-scoring contest. 

KC left-hander Eric Skoglund (0-2, 7.50 ERA) has pitched just 18 innings on the season but has still managed to give up as many as 21 hits, eight walks, and three home runs. He'll face a Twins team that leads the major leagues in several offensive categories and became the first major league team to hit 300 home runs in a season last night. 

As for Minnesota starter José Berríos (13-8, 3.70 ERA), the right-hander surrendered five runs and eight hits over six innings against Kansas City on Saturday. Berrios has not been sharp in recent months, posting a 7.57 ERA in August and a 4.62 ERA so far here in September. 

Over is 10-3 in Royals last 13 home games. The over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings at Kauffman Stadium.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED RUNLINE RIPPER

Wednesday's 8-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox put the division title out of reach for the Cleveland Indians. They still have a shot at making the postseason, but can not afford another slip-up as they enter Thursday trailing the wild card-leading Rays by two games and Oakland by 1 1/2 games for the second wild card. 

Tonight Cleveland hands the ball to right-hander Aaron Civale (3-3, 1.82 ERA) who's having a great rookie season. He has not allowed more than two earned runs in any of his nine career starts and limited Detroit to one run on four hits in 7 2/3 innings last time out. As for White Sox starter Dylan Cease (4-7, 5.79 ERA), the right-hander has not had quite as an impressive rookie season as Civale, and he was tagged with four runs through 6 2/3 innings when he took on Cleveland earlier on September 3. 

Every game is a must-win game for the Tribe down the stretch, and I expect a big win for the visitors in this one. 

10* play on Cleveland Indians. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED BREWERS @ REDS MLB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Milwaukee Brewers have outscored the Cincinnati Reds 13-4 through the first two games of this series, but I would not be surprised to see their bats take the day off after clinching a playoff spot last night. 

Here they'll face Reds righty Luis Castillo (15-7, 3.25 ERA) who owns a 3.86 ERA in four starts against the Brewers this season. Milwaukee right-hander Chase Anderson (7-4, 4.30 ERA) has less than impressive numbers against the Reds in 2019, but note that he's held opponents to two or fewer runs in each of his last four starts. 

Under is 21-10-1 in Brewers last 32 overall. Under is 10-4-2 in Reds last 16 overall. Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings at Great American Ballpark.

10* play on UNDER. 

RED SOX @ RANGERS WEDNESDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Boston Red Sox win Tuesday's matchup with the Texas Rangers 12-10, and I think we'll see another slugfest when the two teams clash in the second contest of a three-game series at Arlington. 

Texas rookie left-hander Kolby Allard (4-1, 4.25 ERA) has a 7.36 ERA in three starts at home while Boston veteran righty Rick Porcello (13-12, 5.56 ERA) has a 5.26 ERA in 12 road starts on the season. We can also note that Porcello's 5.56 ERA overall is second worst among all qualified starters in the majors. 

Over is 7-0-1 in Red Sox last 8 overall and 11-1 in Porcello's last 12 road starts vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 10-3 in Rangers last 13 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

Yes, this is a big number, but note that the over/under is 5-3 in Red Sox's games with a total of 11½ or higher this season. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

The Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays have combined for 12+ runs in five straight meetings, and I am confident we'll see yet another high-scoring affair Wednesday night.

Toronto righty Jacob Waguespack (4-4. 4.75 ERA) has struggled in recent weeks, posting a 5.67 ERA over his last six starts. His very last time out, the 25-year-old served up two homers as he was tagged with three runs in five innings in the Bronx. As for Baltimore starter Gabriel Ynoa (1-9, 5.65 ERA), the right-hander has made most of his appearances out of the bullpen, and he is 0-8 with a 6.12 ERA in 12 starts this season. Ynoa has served up six homers over his last four starts, including a pair in an 8-4 loss at Toronto last time out. 

Over is 6-2 in Orioles last 8 overall. Over is 9-2-1 in Blue Jays last 12 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Minnesota Twins could clinch an American League Central Division championship with a win over Detroit and a Cleveland loss to the Chicago White Sox. I expect a motivated Twins team to do their part of the equation.   

Minnesota rookie right-hander Randy Dobnak (1-1, 2.01 ERA) has made just four career starts and covered 22 1/3 innings overall this season, but he's been solid. The 24-year-old held KC to one run on three hits over 5 1/3 innings his last time out for his first career win. As for Detroit starter Daniel Norris (3-13, 4.58 ERA), the left-hander has worked just three innings in seven consecutive starts. That's likely to be the case here as well, and then he'll hand over the ball to Detroit bullpen that has an ERA that ranks in the bottom third of the major leagues. 

Tigers are 15-61 in their last 76 games vs. a right-handed starter and 5-21 in Norris' last 26 home starts. Twins are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Detroit.

10* play on Minnesota Twins. 

$20 SPECIAL TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE 

The Chicago Cubs enter Tuesday in dire need of a win after getting swept by St. Louis in a four-game series to put them four games out of a wild card in the National League.

Luckily for the Cubbies, they'll face a Pittsburgh team that has lost nine straight games and unlikely to be able to put up much of a fight here with several regulars out of the lineup because of injuries. 

Pittsburgh rookie righty Mitch Keller (1-5, 7.74 ERA) is 0-4 over his past six starts, a stretch that started with six runs allowed over 4 1/3 innings of a 7-1 loss to the Cubs on August 18. Chicago right-hander Kyle Hendricks (11-9, 3.37 ERA) has a 2.25 ERA in three starts against Pittsburgh this year.

The Cubs have won 11 of the last 16 matchups with the Pirates and they're a perfect 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.

8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL TOTAL

The Chicago Bears have opened the season 1-1 with both games being low-scoring affairs, and that's a trend I like to continue when they visit the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football. 

The Skins have looked suspect on the defensive side of the ball in first giving up 32 points to the Eagles in Week 1 and 31 points to the Cowboys last week. We can, however, note that Chicago has averaged just 9.5 points and 263.5 yards of total offense through the first two weeks. 

Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky really struggled in the 10-3 Week 1 loss to Green Bay and was not much better Sunday, throwing for only 120 yards at Denver. Note that Trubisky has completed just over 58 percent of his passes and he has yet to throw a touchdown pass this season ... Washington QB Case Keenum has put up decent numbers, but I doubt he can do it against an elite Bears defense that has held its opponents to 292.5 yards per game. 

Under is 7-0 in Bears last 7 games overall. Under is 6-1 in Redskins last 7 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MONDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays combined for at least 12 runs three straight games at Camden Yards last week. I think runs will come fast and easy again here in the opener of this three-game set at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Toronto righty Clay Buchholz (1-5, 6.48 ERA) was tagged with seven runs on 10 hits in just 3 2/3 innings of no decision against Baltimore last time out, a game the Jays still managed to win 11-10. As for Orioles starter Chandler Shepherd (0-0, 4.91 ERA), the 27-year-old right-hander has just three major league starts under his belt, and he was smacked around for three runs on four hits over four frames against the Blue Jays on Tuesday. 

Over is 5-2-2 in Orioles last 9 Monday games. Over is 9-2 in Blue Jays last 11 Monday games. Over is 6-0-1 in Blue Jays last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 7-2-1 in Blue Jays last 10 overall. 

10* play on OVER.